Four-year-old boy mauled to death by American Bully in Virginia

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 21 Oct, 17:20 · Archive

A four-year-old boy has been fatally mauled by an American Bully in Louisa, Virginia, with deputies forced to kill the dog.

Garcia Welch, four, died from injuries sustained in a dog attack in Louisa County, Virginia, on 18 October. The Louisa County Sheriff's Office said deputies responded to an emergency call at 4.42pm after reports of a dog attacking a child near Jefferson Highway and School Bus Road. Upon arrival, they found the American Bully still attacking the seriously injured boy and were forced to kill the dog to stop the assault.

Welch was immediately airlifted to a nearby hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. The Daily Mail reports the dog was a mix of American Pit Bull Terrier and bulldog. An investigation is under way, with the sheriff's office stating further information about the incident, including dog ownership, will be released when 'available and appropriate'.

Welch had recently started preschool at Thomas Jefferson Elementary School in Louisa. His family described him as a 'bright, sweet little boy' with a 'beautiful smile' with his 'entire life ahead of him'. A fundraiser established to cover funeral costs and support his mother had raised more than $24,000 as of the time the Mirror reported the story. Indigo Pangea, a family member, thanked the community for their donations and messages.

How it is being reported

• 'Sweet little boy,' 4, mauled to death by American Bully dog just after starting preschoolA four-year-old boy has been mauled to death by an American Bully dog after recently starting preschool in Virginia.Daily Mail · 21 Oct, 17:01
• 'Sweet' boy, 4, mauled to death by American Bully as police forced to kill dogGarcia Welch, four, was fatally attacked by an American Bully in Louisa, Virginia, on Sunday, with deputies forced to kill the dog to bring the attack to an endThe Mirror · 21 Oct, 09:08

In this story: Garcia Welch · Louisa County · Virginia · Thomas Jefferson Elementary School · Louisa County Sheriff's Office

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